Voter education is always a balance between the desirable and the possible. It may be possible to use creative and innovative means to address all voters. But it may also be impossible. And choices will have to be made on the basis of simple logistical constraints. Among these constraints will be:
- the size of particular groups
- the isolation of particular groups
- the time available
- the ability to have materials produced or translated
- the ability to deliver and distribute materials
- the number of educators available
With limited budgets and an election to run, it is likely that voter education programmes could feel the pinch. But it will be important for educators to make arrangements reduce, if not eliminate, the constraints on their programmes.
Because there will always have to be polling sites, even in the most remote areas, and because these will need to be supplied with materials and with staff, voter educators always have access, even if limited, to those same voters. More importantly, careful planning can reduce logistical problems and potential costs of the election. Voters who can show up at the right place and time, come equipped with the proper identification, know how to properly mark their ballots, and are capable of passing effeciently through the polling site can lead to a reduction in the number of poll workers and the number of hours polling sites need to stay open while limiting the security needs on Election Day.
These arguments in favour of voter education despite logistical constraints suggest that those posing severe logistical constraints should at least have their motives examined to ensure that they are not trying to limit the access of particular groups of voters to the polls. Nevertheless, there may still come a time when educators have to evaluate costs and benefits, and accept that there may be some voters who have to be excluded from more general programmes. Where this
does happen, some form of supplementary programme may be necessary.
